Best Budget Espresso Machines
When shopping for an espresso machine, look for models that produce rich, flavorful shots and that steams milk well. Some machines are completely automated and take care of all the work for you, but they often sacrifice taste and texture.
The De'Longhi Stilosa is an excellent simple choice that is easy to use for novices and doesn't occupy much counter space. It also holds up well to wear and tear.
Capresso EC50 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
The Capresso EC50 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine strikes an impressive balance between price and quality. It's priced at a reasonable price to make an excellent choice for novices however, it's sturdy and stable enough that even experienced espresso drinkers will be able to enjoy its strong flavor. It also includes a milk frother that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes in just a few minutes.
When choosing an espresso maker, consider the frequency you'll use it and how many people will be enjoying your drinks. If you plan to make one or two cups of espresso per day, a single-shot espresso machine will suffice. However should you plan to serve guests regularly, a larger capacity may be necessary.
Some espresso makers come with an integrated grinder, while others require an additional unit. The latter is more convenient but tends to produce less palatable coffee when compared to the burr mill.
Select a model with a PID control. This feature electronically regulates the temperature of the boiler, which results in a more accurate and consistent result than a mechanical thermostat.
A transparent water tank makes it easier to see when it's time to refill and a brew chamber reduces the time needed to clean up. Additionally, the machine connects directly to your home's water supply to ensure a cleaner, more consistent the brew.
CASABREWS' 3700Essential is excellent choice for those who wish to start making espresso without spending an excessive amount of money. Its performance isn't as up to the standard of expensive models however, it is capable of producing strong espresso shots that have plenty of flavor and body. The user interface is intuitive and is also user-friendly.
A transparent, front-facing dial and a removable 42-ounce water reservoir are just two of the features that make this espresso maker an excellent purchase. The dual frother can be switched between frothing to steaming. (The steaming frother makes milk for cappuccinos, while the one that steams heat into milk in order to make lattes.) The design of the water tank on this particular model isn't ideal as it is difficult to refill and awkwardly placed.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is a great little machine that gives you the ability to make high-quality cafe lattes and espresso in your own home. It is simple to use and doesn't require any special expertise or knowledge in coffee making. This makes it ideal for those who are new to the art of espresso-making.
It is equipped with several characteristics that make it distinguish itself from other entry-level machines. It comes with a PID which ensures accurate water temperatures during extraction. It uses a low pressure pre-infusion process to get the best flavor from your beans. ThermoJet technology permits an extremely quick heating time. This lets you start brewing in only three seconds. This will save your time in the morning when you're trying to get ready.
Another nice feature is that the Bambino Plus has a dedicated steam wand that can be used to make creamy, frothy milk to make lattes and cappuccinos. It comes with a variety of different milk texture settings that allow you to alter the taste of your drink. It isn't capable of producing the smooth microfoam you can get from an espresso machine that is professional however it can offer some interesting options if you're an aspiring coffee maker.
The Bambino Plus is an excellent small espresso machine. However it's not equipped with as many bells and whistles as Breville's more expensive models. It does not have an spout for hot water as well as steaming by hand. It only ships in North America with pressurized baskets. However, if you have a grinder that can make an espresso with a fine grind, this is an ideal alternative for those looking to start espresso making at an affordable price.
The Bambino Plus may look like an toy, but it is made from real metal. It also has very tight tolerances. It is easy to clean and has several built-in reminders to help keep you on track with decaling and cleaning. You'll start saving money after a few weeks on expensive coffee shopping trips.
Philips click here! 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series fully automatic espresso machine provides a lot of functionality for the price. It is a great choice for anyone looking to reduce the amount of trips they take to coffee shops and take control of the way their morning cup of coffee is prepared. This budget-friendly espresso maker is all-in-one, and has an integrated grinder and brew unit as well as an automatic milk frother and hot water function. It offers a variety of drinks that include iced coffee as well as cappuccinos and lattes.
The machine is simple to operate and maintain. Its programmable My Coffee choice feature lets you adjust the strength of your coffee to your preferences. The machine will remember your preferences for every drink. It also has an AquaClean filter that according to the company will help keep it free of scale buildup up for up to 5000 cups of coffee.
One downside of this model is that it takes a little longer to make shots than some other models. While that's not a big issue, it could cause some users to be uncomfortable. The grinder on this machine is also a little coarse, which means you might require grinding it slightly more than other models.
Another benefit is the Philips 3200's programmable timer, which can be set to start automatically making coffee at certain times. This can be particularly helpful for busy people. The machine also comes with a drip tray that is easily removed and cleaned for quicker cleaning. It's important to lubricate the brew system every two months, and Philips offers a grease tubing included with the machine.
Another nice touch is the front-loading tank for water, which makes refilling the machine an easy task. The reservoir can hold up to 1.7 gallons and the machine can alert you when it's time to replace the filter or add water. The controls of the machine are user-friendly and include an interface that is touchscreen. Its display will inform you when your coffee is ready and various lights will let you know when the machine has to be descaled or if an error has occurred.
Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker
The Hamilton Beach 40715 Espresso Machine is a great choice for those who want to get the most bang for their buck. This budget-friendly model has the ability to use ground coffee and K-Cups or pre-measured soft espresso pods, which allows for the maximum flexibility. A built-in milk frother lets you make high-end cafe-quality coffees and cappuccinos, another feature not commonly found in machines at this price point.
The 40715 is extremely simple to use and maintain. The patent-pending Slide and Lock Portafilter makes it easy to put in and lock in place and then take your espresso out. A programmable timer allows you to set a certain time for brewing, so that your espresso is always ready when you want it. The auto-pause and serve function lets you pour your espresso in the middle of brewing.
Another benefit of the 40715 is its practical water tank with a large capacity. This will save you money and time by cutting down on the frequency of refilling your tank. The machine's removable filter basket and dishwasher-safe components make it easy to maintain and clean.
In terms of performance, the 40715 is at par with other machines in this category. The 15-bar Italian espresso maker makes an incredibly flavorful, rich cup of coffee. The adjustable steam control makes sure that your coffee is perfect every time. The programmable timer and automatic pause and serve feature are also useful features.
While the Hamilton Beach 40715 has many positive aspects but there are a few things to take into consideration prior to buying. The boiler's small capacity could cause the water to cool too fast, affecting the extraction process. Another concern is the lack of a permanent filter which could mean you need to purchase additional filters in the future.
Before purchasing take a look at the models at your local store. You can also call ahead to see if they have the specific model you're looking for. If you're purchasing online, make sure to consider shipping costs and the ease of picking up your purchase. If you aren't satisfied with your purchase, you can always benefit from the return policy of the retailer to swap out the product for something more suitable.